Radio Spectrum Management today announced that the date its simplified fee regime will take effect is 1 October 2017.

Most commercial and amateur licence users won’t need to do anything for the move to the new fee structure.  Licensees will automatically be moved into one of the four new fee categories and will see this change reflected on invoices and the Register of Radio Frequencies.

A letter will be sent to those land mobile licensees holding multiple transmitter location licences to confirm which fee class will apply to their licence.

Read more about the new fee structure and frequently asked questions for licence users.

New spectrum measurement and interference tracing equipment has been introduced by RSM for a program of licence audits that have started across the country.  The new equipment can also assist industry locate interference sources.

The new equipment allows RSM to view radio spectrum from 18 GHz to 43 GHz, where previously RSM could only conduct measurements up to 18 GHz.  It has already been used to determine train radar interference sources and interference from water tank level indicating devices. 

To measure the signals, RSM needs to be in the beam of the microwave signal.  At 40 GHz, the measurement of microwave signals is proving very easy primarily due to the short distance between sites.  The signals penetrate though foliage and reflect off buildings.

Further information can be found in the RSM Compliance Guide

Read about How to ensure your radio and EMC products comply

Read more about how to resolve interference

Applications have been received for licences for radio spectrum in the 2.5 GHz Managed Spectrum Park band.  Potential uses for this spectrum include wireless broadband services.

Parties interested in utilising this spectrum are able to apply for access on a first-come, first-served basis, but with sharing processes required to be negotiated by applicants. Applications have been received by the Crown Spectrum Asset Manager from:

• Marlborough District Council, for licences with coverage in parts of the Marlborough District TLA area.

Read more about these applications for managed spectrum park licences in Notice 50.